Umar Gul Calls Nahid Rana a Blessing for Bangladesh Cricket
Bangladesh, once synonymous with spin bowling and dustbowl pitches, has produced a rare gem in the form of fast bowler Nahid Rana. The right-arm pacer, who regularly clocks speeds above 140 km/h, has surprised the cricketing world and earned high praise from former Pakistan fast bowler Umar Gul.
Gul, who closely followed Rana’s rise, called the young bowler a “blessing for Bangladesh cricket.” Speaking after the third day of the Sylhet Test, Gul stated: “A bowler who can consistently bowl at 140 km/h is a blessing for any team. It helps in every format. Pace is very important, and he has that ability.”
Rana’s Rapid Rise
Nahid Rana’s journey from the spin-focused system of Bangladesh to becoming a feared pace bowler is remarkable. Even early in his Test career, he played a pivotal role in helping Bangladesh win a historic Test match in Pakistan. Now, two years since that debut, he appears even sharper and more dangerous.
His recent exploits include helping Peshawar Zalmi clinch the Pakistan Super League (PSL) title, where his raw pace and bounce troubled batsmen. He has now carried that form into the Test arena, troubling Pakistan’s batting lineup on their home soil.
Umar Gul’s Praise
Umar Gul, a veteran of 47 Tests and 130 ODIs for Pakistan, knows a thing or two about fast bowling. His endorsement of Rana carries weight. Gul not only praised Rana’s current form but also predicted a bright future ahead.
“He is still very young. I hope and pray that he continues to improve. He is a blessing for Bangladesh, and he has a bright future ahead,” Gul added in the press conference.
What This Means for Bangladesh
For a team historically reliant on spinners like Shakib Al Hasan, Taijul Islam, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, the emergence of a genuine 140+ km/h pacer provides a new dimension. It gives Bangladesh the ability to attack on pitches that offer pace and bounce, and to unsettle top-order batsmen with raw speed—a weapon they have rarely possessed.
If Rana continues his trajectory, he could lead Bangladesh’s pace attack for a decade. The fact that a respected former Pakistan pacer like Umar Gul has labeled him a “blessing” only reinforces the belief that Bangladesh cricket has found a truly special talent.
